While it would be a great experience to witness actual HOF players and recent retirees in the Hall Of Fame Classic game that is happening on the 25th, that's not what I most want to see.
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| The 2017 HOF Classic coaches, many of which will also be in this year's dugouts. |
For the first time in the Museum’s history we will take a comprehensive look at the history of baseball cards, collecting and the connection generations of fans have had to these Shoebox Treasures.
A few of the highlights we are excited about for the planned exhibit include: cards from every era: the 1800’s to today; “Holy Grail” cards like the Honus Wagner T206 card and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle; and a make your own baseball card interactive.
The 2019 HOF yearbook that a friend passed to me recently has an article that says the exhibit will not only chronicle the history of cards, but also delve into their design, fabrication and sales, those who collect them, and the Holy Grail cards mentioned above.
There will be many more actual cards on exhibit encased in protective "drawers" that visitors can sift through and view.
The Hall had a card exhibit before on the same floor of the building, but it was removed when that section was renovated. But they got such a response from fans that they knew they had to get some cardboard back on display.
I wouldn't expect that many of us would learn a lot of new information about the history of players on pasteboard, or what they pick out at the most desirable cards and the stories behind them. I'm sure they'll be displays about the 1952 barge dump, cards issued in tobacco, Fleer & Donruss joining in 1981, the Overproduction Era, etc. But they also said there will be some detailing of the copyright and licensing process, and other behind the scenes glimpses.
Plus, just seeing a big group of the most iconic cards in real life is always a nice prospect.
If anyone has a chance to go, report back and tell us how it is!
This would be cool to take a peak at.
ReplyDeleteCooperstown is on my bucketlists... and like you said seeing this exhibit is more motivation to get my butt there.
ReplyDeleteI think for a long time Cooperstown had a display of the year's Topps cards, every single card in the set, on its "basement level." I vividly recall seeing the entire 1975 Topps set displayed during my first tour of the Hall as a wee lad. To this day it is my favorite Hall memory.
ReplyDeleteThere was definitely at least one display of cards when I went.
ReplyDeleteThat was actually a really good trip. My Dad called me up, maybe ten years ago, and said he wanted to go with me on a weekend trip. His idea was we’d go to a nice hotel, get messages, that sort of thing. Sounded awful, actually, but I didn’t want to say no, partly because I knew my Mom would like some time to herself. So I tell all this to my brilliant wife, who says, “is there some kind of sports museum you could go to?” Bingo! He still found a nice hotel, we took my car, and we spent a full day at the Hall. Had a great time.
I've been to Cooperstown once, about 20 years ago. I vaguely recall seeing cards on display, but it definitely wasn't as big as what they're planning on doing.
ReplyDeleteI’m actually heading to Cooperstown tomorrow morning. Will be hitting the ribbon cutting of the new display on Saturday
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I have not been to Cooperstown. I have been to the NFL HOF in Canton Ohio around 1980 with my brother.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this info! Hopefully it's a permanent exhibit.
ReplyDeleteCardboard definitely has its place within the fabric of baseball. I'm glad to see they're bringing back an exhibit and I, too, am hopeful it becomes a permanent fixture.
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